Weekend Sports Review: Win slips from ODU’s grasp, Hampton, William & Mary are unbeaten, puppy power and more Fun Belt
Welcome to the Weeken’ Sports Review — like the Washington Commanders, we went without the ‘D.’ This edition is puppy-powered.
The one that got away
Old Dominion silenced the crowd, and just needed a stop to escape Charlottesville with a victory over Virginia — and a sweep of the state’s ACC teams.
But Cavaliers QB Brennan Armstrong showed why he’s U.Va.’s all-time leading passer, guiding the offense down the field for a game-winning field goal as time expired. Final: Virginia 16, ODU 14.
ODU’s go-ahead touchdown shushed the 40,000-plus mostly orange-clad fans at Scott Stadium, but those same fans rejoiced a few minutes later.
ODU comes home for a Saturday Sun Belt opener against Arkansas State (1-2).
Hudson + Champ = Awwwww
They came, they met, they panted. Hudson, ODU’s service dog, and his counterpart at U.Va., Champ, met up before kickoff Saturday, and social media swooned. The full story.
Pirates’ treasure
Hampton University is 3-0, and the Pirates are picking up steam heading into their Colonial Athletic Association opener this week at Delaware.
On Saturday, HU outlasted Norfolk State 17-7 in the Battle of the Bay, and Pirates coach Robert Prunty has his best start since taking over before the 2018 season.
Prunty has stocked his roster with a mix of players from the transfer portal — LB Qwahsin Townsel, a transfer from Villanova, had a team-leading eight tackles Saturday — and HU veterans led by star WR Jadakis Bonds. The defense was spectacular against NSU.
Also in college football on Saturday:
William & Mary stayed unbeaten with a road victory against Lafayette.
Christopher Newport hosted Apprentice School in the first meeting of the programs, and the Builders came out on top.
Virginia Tech tuned up for Thursday night’s showdown against WVU with a win over Wofford.
Under the Friday night lights
Churchland ran past Booker T. Washington in an Eastern District showdown on Friday night in Portsmouth.
Across the HRBT, Menchville busted out of a nearly 30-year slump against Hampton on Friday with a 21-20 come-from-behind victory.
The Crabbers are rebuilding under first-year coach Woodrow Wilson, but the Monarchs had not secured a win in the series since 1993.
“It was awesome,” Menchville coach Rodney Taylor said. “The guys showed resilience by fighting back. Our defense stiffened and we were able to get the ball in the end zone.”
And speaking of Friday night football ...
Video you have to see
Staff Ray Nimmo had some fun at the Churchland-Booker T. Washington football game on Friday ...
Another video you have to see
Sun Belt, Fun Belt? Nobody’s having more fun so far this season than conference front-runner Appalachian State. Rank ‘em already!
(Not a) Commanding presence
The Washington Commanders fell behind 22-0 at Detroit on Sunday and never recovered. QB Carson Wentz finished 30 of 46 for 337 yards and three touchdowns with one INT in a 36-27 loss to the Lions. He had his gaffes, but this one is on Jack Del Rio’s defense.
The defense has allowed 58 points in games against ... the Jaguars and Lions, and somehow looks worse than last season. How much longer does Jack have as Washington’s defensive coordinator?
Coming up this week
The Hokies and Cavaliers play Thursday and Friday, respectively, this week.
Thursday
West Virginia at Virginia Tech, 7 p.m.
Friday
Virginia at Syracuse, 7 p.m.
High school football: Lake Taylor vs. Maury, 7 p.m. at Powhatan Field
Saturday
St. Francis (Pa.) at Norfolk State, 2 p.m. -
Elon at William & Mary, 3:30 p.m.
Hampton at Delaware, 6 p.m.
Arkansas State at Old Dominion, 6 p.m.
